Reassurance around clozapine | News

You may have seen reports about clozapine in the media this week which we know may be concerning for some of our patients and carers. We wanted to reassure you that we continue to prescribe clozapine for many of our patients, and that we regard it as a well-established, safe and effective medicine. While we understand that the coverage may have been worrying, we wanted to let you know that we are here to help with any questions or concerns that you have.
 

If you want to talk about clozapine or the articles you have read, you can contact:

•             Your clozapine clinic to speak to a clozapine nurse

•             Your prescribing clinician/team
 

It is important that you do not stop taking clozapine without consulting your clinician first.

About clozapine and ensuring it is used safely

Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic medication, which can be used to treat schizophrenia if you are over 16 and have tried other medicines that have not worked. You can find detailed information about clozapine in this Clozapine Patient Information. This includes information on what the medication is for, how to take it, side effects and safety information. The manufacturer's Patient Information Leaflet can be found inside the box of your medication.

Clozapine has a wide range of possible side effects, however for most patients the benefits outweigh potential risks when these are well monitored and managed. To minimise the risks and ensure clozapine is used safely and appropriately, we follow national guidance set by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and adhere to stringent monitoring and guidelines:

•             It is mandatory to ensure side effects are monitored regularly and effectively, and all patients newly started on clozapine have regular monitoring and weekly blood tests. This is moved to twice a week after 18 weeks and then every four weeks after one year.

•             All patients on clozapine are registered with a monitoring service and clozapine cannot be supplied unless monitoring and blood tests are up to date and within range.

•             During blood test monitoring, other aspects of physical health are also monitored for example checking for and treating constipation. Our patients attend clozapine clinics regularly for monitoring alongside their appointments with relevant clinicians.

•             Patients and carers are given written information about clozapine and offered a discussion about the side effects, how they can be managed and the benefits of clozapine

A reminder that more information can be found by clicking on the following: Clozapine Patient Information 
 

Our Crisis Lines

Our 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line 080 0151 0023 for service users of Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust and 080 0917 333 for service users at Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust.

Mental health crisis support is accessible round-the-clock by calling our Mental Health Crisis Line on 080 0151 0023 (BEH) / 080 0917 333 (C&I). The team will help you or the person you care for to get help and support quickly and in the right place.

The crisis line can help:

•             Direct you to the right service for your mental health

•             Provide helpful information and advice to help yourself or the person you care for manage during a crisis

•             Help you to get seen by a professional if you need an urgent assessment and arrange further support if needed
 

Call 999 or go to your local A&E department if:

•             someone's life is at risk - for example they have seriously injured themselves or taken an overdose

•             you do not feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe
 

We hope the above is helpful and reassuring but please do not hesitate to get in touch with your clinic or clinician if you have any further questions or concerns.